PrP: That's not Timmy!

THAT'S NOT TIMMY! (Prodigal Sorcerer pt 1)

Tenebrae - Saturday, February 19, 2011, 12:12 PM

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DM

Kyra

Players

Askharr - DAWN_ELF Bard 2
Warden - WAR_GOLEM Sor 2
Aegremar - GIANTBORn Bbn 2

Enemies

3 x CR 1/2 Zombies

The Adventure

There are always jobs on the boards outside the adventurer guild, promising gold for guarding caravans or clearing out rats nets. Sometimes there's a poor soul who can't write or afford a scribe standing nearby, begging for help. Today there is a person standing by, but she does not appear to be a begging type. In her late 30s, she is dressed in black from head to foot, including a lace veil. This woman in mourning is speaking with one of the Guild Representatives, who clearly isn't sure whether what he is hearing is serious.

Warden looks almost like a dandy or courtier, in his bright blue coat, white tunic, black breeches, and boots. It's topped off with a broad brimmed hat that has an outrageous feather sticking out of it. As the elegantly overdressed wargolem approaches the Guild, his pace slows as he takes in the woman in widow's weeds and the representative, his expression becoming curious.

The hulking Jotun, Aegremar, arrives with no great bravado. With an unhurried purpose he stoops before the board and falls to a kneeling position before looking over the articles that have been attached thereupon. After a few moments and a lack of success in finding something that suits his particular talents he gives a low exhalation before rising again to full height.

It is at this moment his heavy features fall upon the woman and the representative if only because they may have some work that is not yet posted. His very presence prevents any sort of 'unobtrusive' lurking and so he walks for them, "What is happening?" He asks directly.

Newly arrived, Askharr finds herself lost, her wandering trying to find an inn or tavern eventually brining her here. Dressed in her bard's attire, the elven woman must stand out, especially when compared to the woman who is dressed in black, hand on her hip, she slows and then pauses entirely, trying to eavesdrop without looking like she is, her gaze held anywhere but on the widow and the one she speaks with.

"But I swear, my little Timmy is at risk! Whatever killed my husband is after him too!" The woman isn't quite hysterical, but could certainly becomeso. The Guild Rep nods slowly, "Well, we could certainly find a few people who could take a look into the matter. You're offer has been generous enough." He seems doubtful of the Woman's story, but money is money, so he looks around.

The giant lifts his chin at what he hears. He considers them there, "How and where did your husband die?" He asks plainly for having only caught the end of it all.

Warden cocks his head, before letting the massive jotun ask the first question. "It can't be any worse than sewer diving," he remarks cheerfully. Ugh. "I'll be happy to assist."

Askharr drifts closer, drawn into doing so by the poor woman and her words. "I can help if it is needed," she offers softly, her voice nearly sing-song in tone. Looking at the others, she bows her head politely, her eyes drifting from Warden to the very tall Jotun who gets watched for a moment longer than the former did.

The Adventure's Rep nods, 'There you go Ma'am. These three will come investigate for you. I am sure they'll be more than up for the task." The woman snifts slightly, looking over the three of you in turn. Perhaps it's because Askharr is female, perhaps because she's not a giant or golem, but the Widow focuses on the Bard, though she does answer Aegremar's question, "It was the family curse. Long magic from generations ago. My husband's grandfather and Uncle each died of it, and now he's going to as well!"

Admittedly super natural investigation is not the Jotun's forte. This can be read in Aegremar's face as his sloped features darken with some concern. He then turns his gaze from the widow and to Askharr. He considers her for a long moment and then looks to the golem in his fancy clothes the giant's wide nostrils flaring and a heavy nod comes.

Clearly he considers either of them to be more useful in such an investigation than he but wherever one begins looking in dark corners there is always some physical threat which may need to be countered.

"I will go." He replies directly, "..but I do not understand /how/ they died even if a curse was the reason." He looks to Askharr evidently having picked up on the fact the widow is more amiable to the woman, "Bites, blows, or something different altogether." Then to the golem he gives a slow shrug of his wide shoulders.

Warden nods thoughtfully, the feather on his hat bobbing. "I see. Let's adjourn then and investigate -- we've not a moment to lose if we want to save your lad." He taps his metallic fingertips together, "If it's a supernatural issue I'm sure the lady and I can puzzle it out; if it's something more mundane, well..." He nods to Aegremar. "I hear jotuns are good at throwing things. We'll see if the culprit will bounce."

"A curse? What kind of curse is this?" Askharr's not a priest or any other form of holyman so isn't sure what they can do to help but the Jotun seems at least familiar with the subject which allows for some relief to settle about her. Settling her pack more firmly upon her back, she shakes her head, clearly confused. Yes, this will most definitely merit investigation. "Yes. We should hurry if we're to save your son," she adds after, that spoken to the widow and the guild rep.

The guild rep seems pleased to have gotten a group of 'heroes' togeather to deal with this. The woman waves a fan over her face at the discussion of how her husband died. "Oh that's the worst part! He was fine! One day he was working on some figures in his office... he was an accountant you see... and the next he was dead, no blows or anything."

That seems mundane enough, more so than weeks of haunting nightmares and apparitions, and so the giant gives a nod to her, "We will look." He then says evidently now as prepared as the other two.

The corners of his mouth turn to a vaguely amused smile to Warden's assessment but doesn't build upon it himself.

The woman leads you to her house in one of the middle class districts, "Since his Father's death, Timmy's been spending most of his time in his Father's Office. He's been broody at dinner and...." She pauses as she looks around the entryway, "Odd, Vialle isn't here. She must be out buying Groceries for Cook." The widower shakes her head, "I am sure Timmy will be downstairs again." She leads you onwards, past the kitchen door and to a small door under the up staircase. The down staircase is a tight squeeze for Aegremar, but the basement is tall enough for him to stand upright, though swinging a sword overhand might be problematic. The office is a mess, but there's no one to be seen, "Timmy!? Timmy where are you?"

Warden cautiously steps into the office proper... stepping over to the desk, his glowing blue eyes sweeping over the clutter impassively. Trying to glean some meaning from the paperwork scattered across the wooden surface.

Askharr looks around while the lady calls about, her expression bothered-bordering-on-worried. "How old is Timmy, ma'am," she asks while trying to peek into the office herself, Warden peered around as he enters the room. She hangs back, allowing for the bigger of the party to enter first before trying to slip in herself.

Aegremar proceeds with caution not due to some expectation of violence but rather a fear that his weight upon the stairs might have some unfortunate effect upon the house's structure. Finally within the basement he stands tall though he raises one hand enough to touch the ceiling as if needing to gauge exactly how much headspace he has.

Then, having no questions of his own at the moment, he begins to look about as well though he has no idea what he's looking for.

<OOC> Kyra says, "Everyone can make a +roll perception"

GAME: Aegremar rolls perception: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Askharr rolls perception: (14)+7: 21
GAME: Warden rolls perception: (16)+3: 19

<OOC> Warden says, "Not bad :)"
<OOC> Askharr woots!

While the Widow might not notice it, the fact that the bookcase on the far side of the room has been shifted, not once but constantly, is fairly obvious to more experiences people such as yourself. What is less obvious is a faint trail of blood leading under the case, just a few drops visible.

[RPOne] Kyra says, "Warden, you don't get the blood."

<OOC> Aegremar will inspect the bookcase for a method of moving it that is mechanical rather than just tearing it off the wall.
<OOC> Warden will inspect the bookcase as well (since he doesn't see the blood).
<OOC> Askharr will inspect the blood, then. Assuming she sees it?
<OOC> Warden says, "Probably needed 20+ to see the blood."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Yeah"

Warden cocks his head, staring fixedly at one of the bookcases. "Ah, how cliche..." he comments, as he and Aegremar begin inspecting the bookcase. "Will there be a piano puzzle too?"

The Jotun winds up kneeling alongside the bookcase so that he is more 'human' in terms of height. Bending forward he puts a wide finger next to the faint swath of blood with a low thoughtful sound and then begins to run his wide hand over the bookcase, "I could pull it off the wall." He says his voice low for Warden's benefit though still quite loud, "But there must be a way for someone a human, or a boy, to have moved it."

While the males inspect the bookshelf the bard herself crouches down to give the droplets of blood an inspection. She doesn't mention those outload, not wanting to panic the mother but it is most definitely something the others will be made aware of once they can speak privately.

The Widow looks very surprized at the case, which actually rolls fairly easily to the side once you start examining it, "Oh my oh my! I had no idea that was there!" The case leads to another set of stairs down, these very old and stone... possibly even older than the house above.

[RPOne] Aegremar says, "Do y'all want me to go first in case its a Dire Wolverine or does the less threatening bard want to go first in case its a frightened boy?"
[RPOne] Aegremar isn't sure what the heck Warden is. :)
[RPOne] Askharr says, "uhm...bard is breakable so the Jotun can go first. ;)"
[RPOne] Askharr will take up the middle. Let Warden cover her b... take the back.
[RPOne] Warden says, "Wargolem, but fairly squishy as well. You first"
[RPOne] Aegremar says, "Haha."

Long stairs which descend into unknown depths. Though the advantage of his height is he can consistently see what goes on ahead if he's last he gives the other two a thoughtful look and then nods, "I will go first."

Then shifting aside he takes hold of the great maul that is harnessed beneath his hide cloak and pulls out the weapon wicked instrument which takes even /his/ two hands to properly wield. Rising from a crouch then he starts forward and down the stairs, "Someone have light ready."

"I think you should stay here, ma'am," Askkarr suggests gently. "In case your son comes back, I mean. We'll take care of checking everything out." Clearing her throat, she lets Aegremar go first, more than happy to let him assume point, she then stepping behind the very large one. "I didn't think to pack anything for light," she responds easily. Hopefully Warden will have something.

Warden is glad he brought his pack along. Without the need for such frailties as hunger and thirst, he can carry all sorts of neat things. He rummages in it a bit before drawing an everburning torch out. "Will this work?" he inquires. With the torch in hand, he makes sure his weapons can be drawn quickly before following Aegremar and Askharr down.

[RPOne] Askharr guesses now is a good time to equip a weapon.
[RPOne] Kyra says, "Yeah, could be. +inv then +equip # of the weapons, then +csheet"
[RPOne] Askharr says, "Thanks. :)"

With the light from the torch, you can see that the stair circles around. On the far side of the newer wall hiding the stair, the ceiling is 10 feet tall. The widow nods at the suggestion she stay upstairs, "Oh please bring Timmy back safe and sound!" There is a faint smell of rotting meat that rises as you decend downwards.

<OOC> Aegremar says, "Weird thing to want to roll for: But is there any check I can make to try to determine if the smell is akin to a 'fresh rotting kill' as opposed to something that's been lying down there for eons?"
<OOC> Warden says, "...Ew. Probably Know/Nature. Does PF have survival as a skill?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Knowledges"
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Eons is a bit much but you get where I'm going."
<OOC> Aegremar has survival and know/nature.
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Knowledge/Nature then?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Know Nature is fine, Survival would be okay"
<OOC> Aegremar says, "My survival is higher. :)"
GAME: Aegremar rolls survival: (13)+6: 19
<OOC> Kyra says, "It's Fresh."

Aegremar does not rush their progress. The tight space would be confining for sudden combat and so he takes his time so that he has a moment to gather their senses should he come upon something. Besides, slow and steady keeps him keen on his environment.

"That works fine." He does manage as the darkness is pushed off by the torch.

He blanches as the smell comes upward then, "Fresh kill." He intones darkly and grips the maul a bit tighter, "Let's hope the widow is not feeding us to whatever is below." He says now implying that this could be a trap.

He continues to progress though. This is why they're here.

The soft hiss of metal sounds as Askharr draws her rapier during their descent, the sound borne from when she pulls it from the suede 'cradle' that is the sheath. "Something is amiss," she whispers once the scent hits, it getting her to wince. It might be faint but it is one of those kind of scents that is unpleasant regardless of strength.

Warden can't really 'smell' as living creatures do, but clearly something is awry. "I see," he murmurs. Swiftly, his free hand traces an elegant arcane pattern as he whispers soft words, and flickering planes of force appear around him and lock into place. "Better safe than sorry," he says by way of explanation.

GAME: Warden casts Mage Armor.

The bottom of the Stairs opens into a large area, nearly 30 feet accross and 15 feet up, in a near perfect circle. The center of the room has clearly been used as some sort of necromatic circle, ephasized not only by the chalk symbols, blood and candles, but by the three unliving forms that turn towards you as the Giantborn reaches the bottom stair. Two look like they might be homeless, but the one in the middle, least affected by the ravages of time, is dressed in a simple uniform. It seems Viallee has befallen a dark fate.

Kyra has cleared initiatives.

[RPOne] Askharr says, "So I'm guessing that heal spells don't work with Wargolems..."
[RPOne] Aegremar says, "They do at half-effect I think."
[RPOne] Kyra says, "Half effect."
[RPOne] Warden nods.
[RPOne] Warden says, "Fortunately, not only does Warden's heavenly fire damage evil creatures, it heals good ones!"

<OOC> Aegremar says, "Do you want us to init?"

[RPOne] Askharr says, "Oh nice. :)"

<OOC> Kyra says, "Yeah, might as well +init"
Aegremar rolls initiative: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 6
Warden rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 12
<OOC> Aegremar giggle.
<OOC> Warden says, "Just type +init, Askharr :)"
You roll initiative for Zombies: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 6
Askharr rolls initiative: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 11

Current Initiative Order

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12 Warden
11 Askharr
6 Aegremar
6 Zombies

<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay Warden, you're up first. 3 Zombies."
<OOC> Warden says, "Hmm. Is there light here?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "There's a few lit lanterns around the edge of the room yes."
<OOC> Warden tosses his everburning torch out to the floor (it's magic, it'll keep glowing) and fires a heavenly fire ray at the closest zombie.
<OOC> Warden says, "Ranged touch attack."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay."

GAME: Warden rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18

<OOC> Warden kays. He takes 1d4+1 divine damage if that hits :)
<OOC> Kyra says, "Yeah, that definately hits. :)"

GAME: Warden rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4

<OOC> Warden has frigging Color Spray as one of my level 1 spells. Color Spray. So far I've fought oozes and now undead. Dammit :D
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, you do some damage to Vialle. Pose it."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Sorry"

Warden doesn't gasp, but his eyes pulse as a sensation races up his polished steel and brass spine. Horror. Disgust. The zombies offend him on some visceral, almost intellectual level, and he casts his torch down the stairs to leave his hands free. Silvery-white light pools in one golden hand, and he points at the closest zombie, the unfortunate Vialle -- a beam of light striking the unfortunate animate and starting to break down the creature's unholy power.

<OOC> Kyra says, "Ashkharr, you're up"
<OOC> Askharr says, "Will try to attack one of the non-Vialle zombies with a melee attack."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, +roll weapon# (Where the # is the +inv number of the weapon)"
<OOC> Kyra says, "+roll weapon5"
GAME: Askharr rolls weapon5: (10)+1: 11
<OOC> Warden says, "1d6"
<OOC> Warden says, "It'll show on +csheet"
<OOC> Askharr says, "Oh yeah! Thanks, hun. :)"
<OOC> Kyra says, "You miss wth the strike though... just off a bit"
<OOC> Askharr says, "Alright. :)"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Aeg"
<OOC> Aegremar says, "In true barbarian fashion I am charging whatever enemy is closest and smashing it with RAGE!"
<OOC> Askharr says, "We pose the miss too, yes?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Well, Vialle is closest, though you could hit another without difficulty."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Yes."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Well, while its more strategic to attack another I think that defeats the purpose of an anger induced charge. Especially since the holy bath occurred basically concurrently."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Were we long-standing allies Warden would've known to not attack the closest one! Such is pickup group. :)"
<OOC> Aegremar rolls.

The bard is appalled by the sight before them, especially that of the undead which seem intent on advancing upon them. Taking a offensive stance, she advances on one of the non-uniformed zombies, seeking to stab it with the point of her rapier but misses, Askharr perhaps off of her game due to her shock.

GAME: Aegremar rolls weapon1+4: (4)+7+4: 15

<OOC> Kyra says, "Hit"

GAME: Aegremar rolls 2d6+9: (9)+9: 18

<OOC> Warden says, "Well, it WAS a zombie."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Your blow seems to be absobed by the dead flesh to a certain extent (-5 damage) but that's still enough to splatter it, especially with the Holy Damage"

Though Aegremar is the first down the stairs the suddenness of the zombies and brief distraction by the contemplation of some great trap leaves him the last of his fellows to act.

Anger flashes about his features as the loathsome horrors turn their hoary visages upon him and without pause to consider the actions of his fellows he rushes forward with a fearsome cry that brings bits of worn mortar down upon him.

He swings backwards as he begins his charge and then powers around as he draws close. Only to invade the Zombie's personal space and bring the maul in hard.

He connects with the Zombie's torso and the thing explodes in a hammer-smash of dried bones and gore. Limbs separate and the thing flies in several different directions.

<OOC> Kyra says, "Zombies both Charge Aeg"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Ah"

GAME: Kyra rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17

<OOC> Kyra says, "Actually that's a charge, so 19"

GAME: Kyra rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Kyra rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Kyra rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Kyra damaged Aegremar for 15 points. 11 remaining.

[RPOne] Askharr says, "ouch"
<OOC> Aegremar has extra rage HP if you wanted to soak them first?

The two remaining Zombies are completely unaffected by the destruction of their newest companion, and instead give a drawn out growl/moan and charge forward. The first strikes the Giantborn solidly in the side, while the second manages to connect just below the armored chestpiece, knocking some wind out of the Barbarian.

<OOC> Kyra says, "I am keeping them in account, but since the damage caries over when you unrage, we'll leave it as is."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Okay. :)"
<OOC> Warden hmms.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Yeah Warden, you're up."
<OOC> Warden spends a move action to pull out a bottle of holy water, and strikes at one of the other zombies with heavenly fire again.

GAME: Warden rolls 1d20+3: (10)+3: 13

<OOC> Kyra says, "Roll it. Hit"
GAME: Warden rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, you burn it some. Ash"

Warden lets out a shout of approval as Aegremar's first strike reduces the lead zombie to random parts. "Good hit! Keep it coming!" He fishes a vial of sanctified water from his belt, carrying it in one hand as he thrusts out the other -- another beam of divine energy raking down the zombie's arm, the flesh spontaneously... not burning, but evaporating, like ice in the sun.

<OOC> Askharr will cast cure light wounds on Aeg.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, so +readysp first"
GAME: Askharr refreshes spells.
<OOC> Warden nods. You're a spontaneous caster like me.
<OOC> Warden says, "If you look at +spcount it shows you what spell 'points' you have available."
<OOC> Kyra says, "So +cast bard=cure light wounds"
GAME: Askharr casts cure light wounds.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Now +roll 1d8+2"
GAME: Askharr rolls 1d8+2: (7)+2: 9
<OOC> Warden says, "Nice."
GAME: Kyra damaged Aegremar for -9 points. 20 remaining.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, so you cure a large chunk of the bashing damage the Barbarian took. Aeg you're up."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "I'm hitting the one that hurt me most."
GAME: Aegremar rolls weapon1+2: (1)+7+2: 10
<OOC> Aegremar says, "And missing."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay. Their turn again. One attacking Aegremaar, the other turning and moving towards Warden."
GAME: Kyra rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19

The elf notices just how hard the Jotun has been it, it getting her to switch tactics, taking a supportive role instead of the combat one she had first assumed. Stepping out of the way in a hurry, Askharr starts to sing, weaving the bardic magic about and around Aegemar, healing the hulking male as the short musical refrain sounds.

<OOC> Warden's AC is now 16 thanks to Mage Armor.

GAME: Kyra rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Kyra damaged Aegremar for 7 points. 13 remaining.

<OOC> Kyra says, "It doesn't get to attack you."
<OOC> Warden ohs.
<OOC> Warden shows appreciation by lobbing holy water at it.

Fetid talons lash across his flesh the first biting deeply through muscle and skittering across bone while the second severely bruises his ribs beneath chain armor.

This serves only to further antagonize the giant and he whirls to the thing which struck him the most deeply even as that wound fills with radiant energy and is left clean for the efforts of Askharr.

He swings hard but forgets the room. The overhead swing catches the maul upon the ceiling and holds it fast for a brief moment. Aegremar pulls through, tearing a divot in the ceiling, but it has catastrophic results upon his aim.

He winds up striking the ground with a terrible amount of force.

<OOC> Warden rolls another ranged touch with the holy water. Have a bath!

GAME: Warden rolls 1d20+3: (12)+3: 15

The one Zombie managed to get a solid hit on the Jotun continues to strike at Aegremar, pummeling the wild warrior with unreleting fists. The second Zombie is distracted by the divine damage dealt from the Golem, and turns towards Warden, moving slowly as is the wont of these Undead.

<OOC> Warden believes that's a hit :)
<OOC> Kyra says, "It does"

GAME: Warden rolls 2d4: (5): 5

<OOC> Kyra says, "Still up. It will be able to attack you this round. Ask"

[RPOne] Askharr says, "Does healing spells still do damage to undead? Not that I plan on using it for that. Just curious. :)"
[RPOne] Kyra says, "Yeah it does."
[RPOne] Aegremar says, "I think so."

<OOC> Askharr says, "Going to try and attack the one zombie that keeps beetchslapping Aeg."
<OOC> Aegremar bitch.

Warden watches the zombie start to lurch towards him. "That's right, you sorry bastard. Right here. Come and get me... but only after you have a bath!" He flings his vial of holy water in a smooth ballistic arc that terminates on the zombie's chest, the vial shattering and the blessed water starting to eat into the zombie's flesh like acid.

[RPOne] Warden says, "As far as I know it does. Will check."

<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay. Roll to hit."

GAME: Askharr rolls weapon5: (17)+1: 18

<OOC> Kyra says, "Hit."

[RPOne] Warden says, "They can save vs Will for half damage if hit with a cure spell."
[RPOne] Askharr says, "Thanks. :)"

<OOC> Warden says, "Oh yeah, forgot to do this:"
<OOC> Kyra says, "+roll 1d6+0"

GAME: Warden used a Holy Water.
GAME: Askharr rolls 1d6+0: (3)+0: 3

<OOC> Kyra says, "You're Rapier sinks in a bit, then comes out with a slight shlorp... and doesn't seem to have done anything (-5 Damage)"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Aeg, you're up."
<OOC> Aegremar smash, "Power Attack 2."
<OOC> Warden says, "Go CRAZY."

GAME: Aegremar rolls weapon1: (18)+7: 25

<OOC> Kyra says, "Actually in this game it's different (PF changes). If you're level 2 it's a -1 to hit, +2 Damage."
<OOC> Kyra says, "So go ahead and splatter."

The song ends and the bard attacks again although it doesn't do anything, it getting Askharr to balk. "Damnation," she hisses angrily while stepping back. This is not something she was trained to do, that being with dealing with the undead, and she's thrown for a loop.

<OOC> Aegremar says, "Does that compound with two handed? So 3 damage?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Right, 3"

GAME: Aegremar rolls 2d6+12: (6)+12: 18

<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, -5 again, but still enough to smash from full to 0"
<OOC> Kyra says, "Last Zombie Swings at Warden"

GAME: Kyra rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8

<OOC> Warden says, "...No. :)"

[RPOne] Askharr says, "Yay for creepy undead who leave the squishy bards alone! XD"

<OOC> Warden takes a five foot step back and blasts the silly bugger. Just so he'll watch me and not the angry barbarian who's going to splatter him across the room.

GAME: Warden rolls 1d20+3: (12)+3: 15

The zombie continues to hammer at the Jotun tenderizing his mid-section with its unholy might.

With his weapon planted in the floor Aegremar gives a ferocious look and swings bodily aside and up. The maul impacts upon the beasts pelvis and shatters it to pieces. Its legs fall to either side and the maul winds up planted somewhere in the creature's abdomen from blunt-force trauma alone.

The giant shakes his weapon free of the remains.

The final Zombie continues forward, mindless (litterally) to the destruction of the other Zombie at the hammer of the Jotun. It flails it's fist at the Golem, but the swing barely grazes the mystical shield, let alone damaging Warden.

<OOC> Kyra says, "Okay, damage warden."

GAME: Warden rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5

[RPOne] Aegremar says, "Nice. :)"

<OOC> Kyra says, "Down."

Warden watches the blow glance off the force barriers around him, and coolly raises his hand up as he takes a prudent step backwards. "Sorry, friend. For what it's worth, I know this was never your fault." The silver beam drills right into the zombie's forehead, leaving a neat, charred hole, and the corpse crumples to the floor, dead -- again.

With the zombies defeated, a more... undestracted... look around the room reveals another doorway opposite the staircase, this one solid wood, though there are no mystical symbols on it that you might expect.

The flush of adrenaline fades from the Jotun and the wounds he has endured become plainer to him. His shoulders heave and he takes a second to catch his breath for the few moments of fatigue.

Noting the door then he uses his maul as a crutch and then pushes himself to full height before readying it again, "We ready?"

<OOC> Aegremar has about 30 minutes.

Warden watches the body for a moment to make sure it's down, before looking at the barbarian cautiously. "Are you fit?" He's not questioning his prowess -- merely his state of health. He studies the door carefully, scooping up his torch again.

Askharr looks at the hulk and frowns, clearly at a loss as what to do. She wanders after but doesn't say anything, the bard instead humming, waiting to be called upon if needed before doing or saying anything more.

<OOC> Kyra hmmms.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Trying to decide whether to go wtih another scene, since Aegremar has to go soon"
<OOC> Warden says, "30m really isn't a lot. Could we pause and pick it back up?"

The Barbarian gives a deep sound, "For three more - maybe." He says ready to go boldly further but not blind to his limitations, "Let us hope that whatever is beyond is no less forgiving than what we have seen." He starts forward then giving the door a cursory inspection for the unusual before preparing to open and reveal what is beyond.

<OOC> Kyra says, "Unfortunately time constraints make picking up further difficult. I'll wrap it up easily enough ;)"
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Depending on what's beyond I think we could probably take that out, puzzle it, in 30m if we're quick about it. At least to some kind of abbreviated resolution."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "If thats what you want to do."

The door is not barred from the far side, though it's clear it can be. Inside is a plain looking office, much like the one up top. Except this office has skulls on bookshelves, pickled eyeballs and other items of less... pleasant nature. There is currently no one inside.

GAME: Warden casts Detect Magic.

Warden peers inside as he follows the barbarian... tracing another spell in the air, sparks racing up and down his metallic frame for a split second as he gazes around the room carefully. "A little unusual for a middle-class merchant, isn't it? For a hobby, I mean."

"Indeed." Askharr frowns while looking around, trying hard not to look too lingeringly upon the more vile items that are to be found here. "So much for it being a 'curse'," she intones darkly afterward, sounding almost as if she is wishing that it was that instead of what has obviously befallen those who have been lost.

<OOC> Kyra says, "General +roll perception for those who wish it."

When the office proves clear the giantborn enters nodding as the golem speaks, "Yes." He says without distraction. When all three are in he pushes the door closed, "So no one gets us from behind." He explains in doing so.

Then he begins to search about as he did in the other office.

GAME: Aegremar rolls perception: (11)+9: 20
GAME: Warden rolls perception: (4)+3: 7

<OOC> Warden looks upward. "So /that's/ where they put the ceiling. Clever bastards!"
<OOC> Kyra grins. "Aegremar, perhaps unimaginatively, there's another bookcase exit.
<OOC> Kyra will pose for Warden

The Jotun is no scholar but he's no fool either. He begins his search at the bookcase which proves to be similar to the first, "I think we've found our exit."

To the Golems magically enhanced senses, the room radiates very old magic. More notably is the absense of several objects that have left a definate mark on the room. A reading pedistal is missing it's book, and there is a wand stand on one bookshelf that is empty. Other items may be missing as well, but those are the notables.

Warden studies the stand and the pedestal for a few moments. "Something was here. Old. Powerful. Oh, you found something, friend?" He starts, jarred finally out of his magically-augmented reverie, by the Jotun fiddling with one of the bookcases.

Pausing, she looks at the shelves, her brow creasing as she tries to figure out just what has been going on in here. "Did you find anything," Askharr asks the others, her voice distant as she slowly succumbs to being lost in thought. It takes a moment before it registers that the Jotun has found something and she turns around, approaching them.

When the Cabinet is shifted, there is a waft of something foul, but at the same time less sinister. Well perhaps less sinister. At the end of a very short hall is a stone and metal doorway, and from the smell coming from the other side, it leads directly into the sewers. Its probably concealed on the other side. As with the rooms you are in, the work is very old.

<OOC> Aegremar says, "The door opens so we can see the sewers?"
<OOC> Kyra says, "You can yes"

Warden makes a soft clinking sound as he slaps his hand across his face. "Oh for... not the sewers AGAIN! Even with magic it's hard to get those stains out, not to mention the smell..."

The Jotun covers his mouth and nose with one broad hand while following the tunnel to the metal doorway.

"I believe we have met our goal." His voice is muffled for his hand, "The 'curse' is solved and unless there is a greater prize I am not mucking about in the /sewer/ with open wounds on some curious fool's errand."

"I say we report what we've got and let them decide how to deal with this by risking their own lives/fortune."

<OOC> Aegremar ever the realist.

The doorway can be closed as easily as it opens, cutting off the worst of the smell. The doorway can also be locked from this side if you so choose, with two metal bolts. Now comes what you tell the mother.

<OOC> Warden says, "Hell, what DO we tell her? Your maid was a zombie, your son's probably missing, and there was a wizard living in your root cellar?"
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Let the bard sing it to her. :)"
<OOC> Warden says, "We don't have Jonathan Coulton with us, Aegremar."
<OOC> Aegremar says, "But seriously, I think that's exactly what we do tell her. It's the truth. Maybe she should move."

Askharr shakes her head. She doesn't want to have anything further to do with this, herself, but part of her is kind of wanting to see what kind of gains they might be rewarded with before deciding one way or another. "I think we have cultists or something similar on our hands," she offers after mulling the first point over in her head awhile. "Tell her there is no curse. Just evil people..." Pausing, she shakes her head again, falling silent.

<OOC> Askharr is not a CandyGram delivery elf. :P
<OOC> Kyra leaves this up to you guys

The Jotun nods at Askharr, "You can tell her." He says plainly, "She likes you." He says deeply supportive.

He then locks the door and starts away from the smell.

<OOC> Askharr says, "Lovely. Thanks, guys. :D"
<OOC> Aegremar hee.

Warden looks a bit worriedly at the door. "Maybe we can take this up the chain, with the city guard or something. I'm certain they'd object to someone making zombies in the city limits." He sighs. "Probably need more manpower down here to root it out, rather than just the three of us."

Aegremar nods to that, "That is what I think as well." He agrees.

Askharr takes a deep breath. "You two talk with the guard. I'll talk to the mother." It's not a task she was wanting to do but since it seems like the males will be volunteering her then she has no choice. Probably better for the woman anyhow. "Let's get this door barred up so they can't get back in and let's get to it."

<OOC> Aegremar says, "If its possible to lock the door then 'break' the mechanism I would. If only to confound whoever it is from coming back until the city has sent someone down here."
<OOC> Warden says, "So, we're gonna block the doors off so nobody can come up this way."
<OOC> Aegremar nods.
<OOC> Kyra says, "Yeah, that shoudn't be too hard to block it. It doesn't /break/ very well, but it's not designed to be opened from the other side it seems anyway"
<OOC> Askharr says, "Oh. I misunderstood. Was thinking it was a two way door. Ah well. Askharr would assume that's the case anyhow. :)"
<OOC> Aegremar was too.
<OOC> Aegremar will block it off anyway because he's the muscle.
<OOC> Aegremar also noms everyone as he's about to drop off.
<OOC> Aegremar says, "I really apologize for not being able to stick it out another hour or so."
<OOC> Warden passes out the noms! Nom nom nom.
<OOC> Aegremar says, "But Aegremar is agreeable to doing anything that's not a sewer adventure."
<OOC> Kyra tosses out some Noms too.
<OOC> Aegremar says, "Except for talking to the widow. That's Askharr's job."
<OOC> Aegremar :)
<OOC> Kyra says, "So Askharr, +roll diplomacy. ;)"
<OOC> Askharr says, "how do you +nom people here?"

GAME: Askharr rolls diplomacy: (11)+7: 18

<OOC> Aegremar says, "+nom <person>"
<OOC> Warden assists Askharr on the roll!

GAME: Warden rolls diplomacy: (5)+5: 10

<OOC> Askharr snickers. Wargolems not too good with the dipomacy thing.
<OOC> Kyra grins, "Nearly blew that."
<OOC> Warden says, "Thank God for my 19 Charisma.,"

Your report of the Zombies and the lack of Timmy causes the woman to scream and faint. When she comes to a few minutes later she is at least not blaming you for the dissapearance of her Son, which means you'll probably get paid. She rushes off to the watch, which you can follow along with. For now you're part in this mess is over.

<OOC> Aegremar says, "G2G. Thanks for the fun."

Aegremar has disconnected.

<OOC> Askharr says, "Phew! Heck of a way to get broken in here. :)"
<OOC> Askharr says, "Thanks for the scene Kyra."
<OOC> Kyra says, "Hope you guys liked it."
<OOC> Askharr did!
<OOC> Warden did too :)